The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has filed an appeal against a Federal High Court judgment that nullified its leadership and invalidated the party’s presidential nomination for the 2027 general election.
The party also applied for a stay of execution of the judgment pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.
Phrank Shaibu, the ADC’s director of strategic communication for its presidential campaign council, said in a statement on Friday that the party has formally notified the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the appeal. He urged the commission to suspend any further action on the matter to avoid pre-empting the higher court’s decision.
“The ADC is exercising its lawful right to appeal. The judgment is now under challenge before a higher court, and the legal process must be allowed to run its course,” Shaibu said. “We expect INEC to uphold the law and take full account of the pending proceedings before making any consequential decision.”
In a letter dated November 6 addressed to the INEC chairman, the party’s counsel, S. E. Aruwa, SAN & Co., confirmed that the notice of appeal and the application for a stay of execution had been filed. The lawyers requested that the commission maintain the status quo until the court determines the application.
The legal crisis follows a Thursday ruling by Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, which sacked the David Mark-led caretaker committee. The court also voided the committee’s decisions, including the process that produced Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
The judgment resulted from a suit filed by Nafiu Bala, a former national deputy chairman (North-East), who challenged the committee’s control of the party following the resignation of the former national chairman, Ralph Nwosu. Bala argued that he was constitutionally entitled to lead the party after Nwosu’s exit.
Reacting to the ruling, ADC spokesperson Bolaji Abdullahi described the judgment as an attempt to weaken the opposition and restrict the choices available to Nigerians.
Shaibu called on party supporters to remain calm, stating that campaign activities would move forward as planned.
“Our campaigns continue without interruption. There is no stopping the affordability train or our mission to make life better for Nigerians,” he said, adding that the party remains confident the facts of the case will be upheld at the appellate court.
